What is WiiM… and is it a genuine Sonos rival?

As audio streaming options grow, WiiM has emerged as an affordable and simple way to upgrade your speakers with multi-room streaming capabilities. 

WiiM has been described as an affordable option “at a time when multi-room rivals have lost their streaming smarts” – which is obviously a dig at the once undisputed multi-room champion Sonos.

If you’re not aware, Sonos has lost some serious credibility this year, and WiiM is perfectly placed to capitilize.

WiiM is a brand born out of Linkplay Technology, which was founded back in 2014 “by a core team of high caliber technology entrepreneurs” from the likes of Google, Broadcom and Harman.

Unlike Sonos, WiiM doesn’t have its own proprietary multi-room syncing technology. Instead, it relies on industry-standard protocols like AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal and Chromecast to achieve multi-room functionality. 

However, WiiM’s gapless playback supports up to 24-bit/192 kHz audio quality, and you can create groups of WiiM devices and play the same music or different music in different rooms, so it behaves just like a Sonos system.

But it’s not just WiiM-branded devices, the company is committed to developing bespoke audio streaming software and hardware for partners too. 

Partners such as Audio Pro who, in October 2024, launched two new WiiM-enabled speakers; the C5 MK II WiiM Edition and the A10 MK II WiiM edition (below).

These speakers integrate into a WiiM system as if they were native WiiM devices, and signal a future where WiiM could steal a march on the likes of Sonos by becoming the backbone of a multi-room speaker setup that is brand agnostic.

So, whether you’re looking to breathe new life into old speakers or add multi-room streaming to your home setup, WiiM products could provide the solution for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

Read on to find out more..

What is WiiM exactly?

WiiM’s focus is making high-resolution audio streaming accessible and easy to integrate. On the whole, its devices are designed to connect to your existing speakers, stereo systems, or AV receivers, enabling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth streaming from a variety of services.

There are currently seven different WiiM devices available to buy, ranging from the WiiM Mini at the bottom end – an Echo-dot sequence device designed to hook up with an existing system using an Auxiliary cable – to the Ultra ($329) and Amp Pro ($379) at the top of the tree.

This higher-end duo take on the likes of the Sonos Amp with multiple input and output options, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, bit-perfect output, up to 192 kHz, 24-bit with digital optical or coaxial output, and a multitude of streaming options.

There are also CI models aimed at the professional installer markets, such as the WiiM CI MOD A80 and the WiiM CI MOD S, which were revealed back in September.

How does it work?

Across the range WiiM supports high-quality formats like 24-bit/192kHz audio, and works with an array of of Codecs (including MP3, AAC, ALAC, APE, FLAC, WAV, WMA and OGG) giving audiophiles plenty of reasons to take note.

Unlike Sonos, Denon and Bluesound, WiiM don’t really make speakers. It focuses on streaming devices that plug into speakers, adding contemporary multi-room audio smarts.

The exception to this rule is the WiiM Wake-Up Light, an All-in-one sunrise alarm clock, bedside reading light, and sound machine with Alexa built-in.

Getting started with WiiM

Setting up WiiM devices is straightforward. You’ll just need the WiiM Home app, available for both iOS and Android, to configure your device.

The app guides you through connecting your WiiM device to your home Wi-Fi network and linking your streaming services. 

The app also allows you to customize sound settings, integrate with smart home setups, and manage multi-room playback if you have multiple WiiM units, with the WiiM OS software powering the show.

Streaming options and audio quality

WiiM devices support an impressive range of streaming services, including major platforms like Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer, and niche ones like Qobuz and Tidal, which offer higher-quality audio options. 

When it comes to protocols, pretty much the all of the major platforms are on offer including AirPlay 2, Google Cast Audio, DLNA, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Amazon Alexa Multiroom, Qplay 2.0 and Roon.

For those looking to maintain the integrity of their music, WiiM devices support lossless streaming and high-resolution formats.

WiiM versus Sonos and the rest

WiiM sits in a unique space, balancing affordability with high-quality audio features typically reserved for pricier devices. 

Compared to brands like Sonos and Bluesound, which offer integrated speakers, WiiM focuses on upgrading your existing setup. 

This approach gives it a leg up for people with legacy systems that need a modern, streaming-capable refresh without compromising on sound quality or getting rid of their existing, often pricey, speaker and hi-fi setups.

With WiiM partnering with brands like Audio Pro as well, you can also use the platform to expand your existing setups into multi-room systems with multiple branded speakers all in harmony. 

WiiM devices compared